Discusses research methodology in general, and suggests ways of identifying what is and is not known in the field of reading. Points out that reading research has not yet investigated how adults and children read nonschool materials in nonschool settings. (ARH)

Offers an overview of some reading and language arts computer projects in the United Kingdom, including language teaching and intelligent knowledge-based systems, assessment of written style by computer, and desktop publishing in the primary school. (ARH)

Provides support, drawn from classroom experience and research, for the use of drama in the reading class. (ARH)

Examines the research relating nutrition and diet to achievement in reading and language arts, and suggests ways teachers and parents can use this information. (ARH)

Provides a wide range of practical teaching ideas, including tips for using big books, the use of word maps for teaching new concepts, and the use of storybooks to teach counting. Provides an annotated bibliography of summer reading for students and teachers. Discusses the history, content, and future of the Whole Language Approach. (ARH)

Noting that recommendations for integrating elementary reading and writing often fail to provide adequate specific suggestions, proposes seven instructional principles based upon research on the reading-writing relationship and suggests specific techniques for each principle. (NH)

Describes a successful home-based parent-training program implemented in the Tyrone, Pennsylvania school district in l979 which supports the concept of training parents to work with their preschoolers at home as an effective approach toward improving learning readiness and achieving parental involvement in the early education of children. (NH)

Noting that some educators are calling for a whole language approach to teaching Spanish reading to replace the traditional word approach, reviews various methods of teaching Spanish reading and summarizes research that supports a psycholinguistic view of reading. Suggests specific guidelines and materials to help teachers move toward a whole…

Claims that in the conventional administration of the Informal Reading Inventory (IRI) comprehension diagnosis is inordinately influenced by the reader's ability to recall information. Suggests that allowing reinspection by the reader restores recall to its proper function and may result in other advantages. (NH)

Presents a transcript exemplifying principles used with beginning readers who may be unable to learn to read from traditional reading instruction. Claims strategies which allow children to communicate through written language enable them to make important discoveries about reading without knowledge of phonics or other metalinguistic skills. (NH)

Presents firsthand observations of a successful twenty-day reading program involving one student who was transformed from a passive, reluctant, indifferent learner to one who acquired ownership for his learning and empowerment over the reading process.

Noting the use of mental pictures to aid students' learning--the keyword method--is effective for both good and poor readers, describes specific methods, provides research to support their use, and presents classroom applications that lead from teacher instruction to students' independent learning. (NH)

Notes that the National Assessment of Educational Progress's (NAEP) recent assessment found fundamental changes taking place in education and in society which render the apolitical, uniform, "one size fits all" approach to education dysfunctional. Calls for reconceptualizing reading instruction to benefit all readers rather than just the majority…

Notes that Australian teachers are not following U.S. teachers in (1) the use of drill and practice computer software and (2) teaching programing and computer literacy. Discuses Australian teachers' use of the computer as a tool for accessing information, for enhancing creative writing, and as a news tool. (NH)

Cites personal experience and research which supports peer group work in spelling, noting this method provides an opportunity to create linkages between reading, writing, and spelling instruction. Suggests strategies for implementing an individualized spelling program. (NH)